Genetic Differentiation of the Steppe Field Mouse Sylvaemus witherbyi Populations: The Results of the Mitochondrial DNA Control Region Analysis.

The degree of genetic diversity of the steppe field mouse was estimated on the basis of the mtDNA control region variability data. Polymorphism of this mtDNA marker in S. witherbyi was more pronounced than previously assumed. The steppe field mouse population from the northern shore of Lake Manych-Gudilo includes several mitochondrial lines, which may be due to the existence of several migration flows to this area from Southwest Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]